Lauryn Hill's new double-CD set, recorded in front of a small audience, aims to discourage all but the most avid listeners. Four years after her multimillion-selling solo debut, ''The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,'' Ms. Hill has returned with a sketchpad full of songs and speeches, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar.

Reggae and gospel are touchstones for Lauryn Hill, who's determined to pass on positive messages along with a groove. But she doesn't stop there. She also wants to update the sensuality and confessional intimacy of smooth 1970's soul and to harness the streetwise bluntness of hip-hop.

While most hip-hop stayed in a holding pattern this year, Lauryn Hill of the Fugees came out with a solo debut album, ''The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill'' that accepts no boundaries. She raps and sings; she uses rhythm-and-blues, pop, reggae and gospel; she balances preaching and reminiscences, romance and self-assertion, single motherhood and a career.

''Miseducation'' is Lauryn Hill's attempt to reanoint hip-hop-flavored soul. Although many of the songs on the album tackle the troubles of earthly love, nearly all of them make reference to the Bible or its God.

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May 6, 2013, Monday

A federal judge scolded Lauryn Hill on Monday for failing to pay back taxes but put off for two weeks her sentencing for tax evasion, The Associated Press reported .
Ms. Hill, 37, a Grammy-winning singer, rapper and songwriter, pleaded...